BMW 5-Series hits South Africa in the new year.

Subtle updates to the BMW 5-series range are set to hit the South African shores in January. Dropping the 540i and gaining the M550i xDrive, for the first time we acquire the baby M5. Let us see what else is new for the fiver.

2021 BMW 5-Series: Visual differences 

The updated model gains a revised kidney grille design that is now larger and a single piece and drops more profound into the front bumper. The LED Headlights are slimmer and feature an L-shaped daytime running lights. Depending on specification the option of either Adaptive cornering lights featuring matrix technology. The lights feature matrix technology and the daytime running lights serve as the turn signals. As an option, the lights can be fitted with BMW Laserlight technology. the rear now features LED taillamps with black edging and an L-shaped design that blends into the brake and illumination lights; The trapezoidal exhausts fit snuggly into the rear bumper

2021 BMW 5-Series: Interior updates 

The interior has very few updates including updated switchgear and a more extensive 12.3-inch infotainment system featuring the latest version of BMW’s Live cockpit featuring the optional Professional system which features Intelligent Personal assistant, cloud-based navigation with real-time updates. The updates to the infotainment system now include the latest versions of Apple Carplay and Andriod Auto which are now wireless and remote updates.

2021 BMW 5-Series: Safety and specification updates 

The standard and M-Sport option remains the only choice outside of dedicated M-series variants and full-fat M-cars. The M aero package, M sport suspension, and BMW Shadowline 19-inch alloy wheels are standard on the M-Sport model. Automatic climate control with extended touch control specification is now standard. The Sports leather steering wheel, optional electric front seats with or without heating, ventilation and massage function. A heads-up display, Sensatec trimmed instrument panel is also available. Updated driver assistance systems come in the optional Integral Active Steering- rear-wheel steering system by turning the rear wheels at speeds under three kph. Other additions include Lane Departure warning with lane return functionality through steering assistance. The Driving Assitant Professional package can predict lane changes using the navigation system with what BMW call Lane Change assistant. The same system features an automatic emergency lane function which means the vehicle can merge into the shoulder’s safety when in traffic. The Parking Assistant function has been extended and now can reverse and steer the car in reverse up to 50meters while steering the vehicle. The optional 360-degree camera has a Drive Recorder function that can create 36-visuals of the vehicle and its surroundings and serves as a dashcam by storing the information from recent drives. 4-cylinder models will gain a 48V Mild Hybrid system which can boost power 8 kW when overtaking or accelerating. In addition to this, the efficiency is enhanced through the better functionality of the stop-start system.

2021 BMW 5-Series: Engine line-up

Most notably the 5-series drops the 540i model making a line-up of only 4-cylinders. Powering the 5-series is the choice of 2.0litre4-cylinder petrol and a 2.0litre turbodiesel. Starting the line up is the 185kW and 350Nm 530i. With all this power the 6.4second acceleration time is impressive and so too is the claimed 6.7L/100 fuel consumption claim. The 520d produces 140 kW and 400Nm, and this is enough to propel the 5er to 100 in 7.5seconds, with a 5.2L/100km claimed. The M550i xDrive is powered by what is in effect a detuned M5 4.4litre V8, producing 390Kw from 5 500 rpm and 750Nm from a lowly 1 800-4600 rpm. These numbers prove enough for a 3.8second 0-100 sprint and limited 250-kph top speed. Interestingly the M5 is matched for torque and only gains 70kW, but this is enough to shave 0.5seconds of the acceleration time.

2021 BMW 5-Series: Pricing 

Prices start from just under 1million rand before options, which should be expensive and almost transform the car night and day in typical German car options list lottery. 530i R989 500 530i M Sport R1 056 542 520d R987 297 520d M Sport R1 043 996 M550i xDrive R1 509 938 M5 Competition R2 328 224 Prices include a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.